A Hidden Health Crisis
homelessness or sharing not just an apartment, but a bedroom with strangers. This practice, known as "hot bedding," has become a common reality for some tenants, particularly marginalized populations, who see it as a survival strategy.
However, shared housing, often marketed as an affordable solution, often fails to meet tenants' basic needs and creates serious health and safety risks. A recent study by Zahra Nasreen, a postdoc housing researcher at the University of Sydney and Macquarie University, reveals the hidden realities of people sharing rooms in Sydney.
The study surveyed 103 tenants and interviewed 35 in-depth, uncovering concerning patterns of overcrowding, poor housing conditions, and health and safety risks. In some cases, up to 20 people lived in two-bedroom apartments. Around 28% of tenants shared a bedroom with two or more people, and 66% shared a toilet/bathroom with more than two people. Living rooms were also partitioned for additional sleeping spaces.
Health and safety risks were a major concern. Tenants faced life-threatening fire risks when "head tenants" removed smoke alarms to avoid penalties for false alarms triggered by cooking. Poor ventilation, mold, and overcrowding led to respiratory issues, depression, and headaches. Hygiene was also a major concern, with bed bugs, cockroaches, and bathroom drainage issues impacting tenants' mental and physical health.
Beyond the physical constraints, tenants faced restrictions from live-in head tenants or landlords that affected their daily routines and autonomy. Cooking large meals was prohibited for some, and many were not allowed to use heaters or air conditioners, even during extreme weather.
The problems extend beyond inconvenience and discomfort. Nearly half the tenants interviewed had no written lease and paid rent in cash, leaving them exposed to sudden eviction and financial exploitation. Some landlords did not return bond deposits. Most alarmingly, tenants rarely sought help from tenancy and advocacy services, even in cases of exploitation and evictions.
unaffordable housing or unsafe living conditions. These housing conditions extend beyond Sydney and have escalated during and after COVID and the cost-of-living crisis.
Solving this systemic failure requires a careful approach to regulatory enforcement, as a flawed response can result in increased homelessness. Real solutions must address the root causes of the housing crisis, including increasing affordable housing options and providing support for vulnerable populations.